rationale
3 synonyms for rationale, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The set of reasons or logical basis behind a decision or action.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use rationale
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the rationale behind
a clear rationale
Etymology
From Late Latin rationale, related to "rational" and ultimately to Latin ratio, "reason."
Full origin of rationale →Frequently asked questions
What does “rationale” mean?
The word “rationale” means the set of reasons or logical basis behind a decision or action. In plain terms, the reasoning or justification behind something.
How do you pronounce “rationale”?
“Rationale” is pronounced rash-uh-NAHL (/ˌɹæʃ.əˈnæl/ in IPA).
How do you use “rationale” in a sentence?
Here is “rationale” used in a sentence: “The company explained its rationale for the layoffs.”
What part of speech is “rationale”?
“Rationale” is a noun.
Where does the word “rationale” come from?
The word “rationale” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin rationale, related to "rational" and ultimately to Latin ratio, "reason.".
Is “rationale” a common word?
“Rationale” is an uncommon word in modern English.
